NICHOLAS OWEN FROM SWINDON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN ECCHINSWELL
In June 2021, Nicholas Owen, a man residing in Swindon, was involved in a disturbing case of online child exploitation that took place in Ecchinswell.Owen engaged in illicit communications with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover police officer.
The conversations revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior, including the sending of explicit images and videos.
Owen initially logged onto the messaging platform Chatiw, where he began chatting with a user claiming to be a young girl.
As the conversation progressed, Owen sent her photographs of his erect penis and expressed a desire to continue their interaction on the Kik messaging app.
The following day, he inappropriately inquired if she was “a naughty girl” while she was at school, demonstrating a blatant disregard for boundaries and the safety of minors.
Prosecutor Andrew Houston detailed the extent of Owen’s misconduct, stating: “He suggested that she should go to the toilet and put her knickers in her bag.
He was sent a picture of a pair of white knickers.
He told her he was very proud of her for what she had done.” The conversation then took a more explicit turn, with Owen discussing oral sex and describing how she would feel when he performed such acts.
Winchester Crown Court heard that Owen was sent a photograph purportedly of the girl.
In response, he sent a video of himself masturbating and made a lewd comment, claiming she “looked utterly delicious.” Owen also attempted to establish a more personal connection by telling her she could call him “daddy.” When discussing her removing her knickers, he said: “If you knew what it did to my c*** you wouldn’t feel silly at all,” further emphasizing his predatory intent.
During the investigation, Owen described himself as a “responsible adult” and claimed to be “sort of happily married,” although he admitted that his sex life had “died off.” He was arrested at his home in Ecchinswell and subsequently pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause a child to view an image of sexual activity, and making indecent images of children classified as Category C.
The offenses occurred between September 19 and September 26, 2018.
Owen, aged 59 and now living on Hadleigh Close in Swindon, was supported by his wife and family during the court proceedings on Friday.
In sentencing, Mr.
Recorder Adam Feest QC stated: “You persisted in sexual chat with that child as far as you were concerned.
The talk between the two of you only on your part was explicit.
You on one occasion sent a short video of you masturbating which appears to have been in response to an image sent to you of a teenage girl.” Owen was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He is also required to complete 30 days of rehabilitation, is subject to a sexual harm prevention order, and must register as a sex offender for the next 10 years.
